The Gaiwan 盖碗

A gaiwan is a type of Chinese teaware. It is used as a drinking vessel and brewing vessel. Gaiwan literally means a "covered bowl" in Chinese. Gaiwans consist of three parts: the saucer, the bowl (or cup), and the lid.

To use a gaiwan as brewing and drinking vessel, you first heat the bowl with hot water, and spill the water out. You then place a measured amount of tea leaves in the bottom, and fill with hot water. Cover with the lid to allow the tea to steep. After a few minutes you may drink the tea directly from the cup - using one hand to grasp the saucer, and the other to hold the lid. You use the lid to strain the tea leaves to keep them in the cup, not your mouth.